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Statements on Immigration

While there is no comprehensive Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) statement on immigration policy, the following is a chronological summary of Social Justice Statements, passed by the Association's General Assembly, which pertain to immigration, migratory workers, and foreign nationals.

The 2000s

A 2004 Statement on Civil Liberties affirmed the Association's commitment to advocate for the right to due process of immigrants, refugees and foreign nationals. In 2006 and 2007, the General Assembly passed Actions of Immediate Witness to support immigrant communities, including a call for an immediate moratorium on federal raids and resulting deportations.

The 1990s

In 1992, the Association passed a General Resolution to promote the investigation and monitoring of the practices, standards, and care at facilities housing children detained by Immigration and Naturalization Services. A 1995 Resolution of Immediate Witness demanded a humane solution to the complex social issues related to the undocumented population, and urged individual Unitarian Universalists (UUs) to serve those directly harmed and others affected by any legislation which would deny human beings basic services.

The 1980s

In the 1980s, many Unitarian Universalist congregations were actively involved in the Sanctuary movement. The 1980, 1984, 1985, and 1989 General Assemblies of the UUA endorsed sanctuary for refugees, and the UUA Board of Trustees established a fund to support individuals seeking sanctuary and to aid churches providing sanctuary.

The 1960s

At the first General Assembly of the newly formed Unitarian Universalist Association in 1961, a General Resolution was passed in support of migratory workers. This was followed by resolutions in 1963 and 1966 on immigration reform and agricultural workers, respectively.